DSI will have to wait for Kularb Kaew case
Justice Minister Charnchai Likhitjittha yesterday instructed four legal experts to review the Kularb Kaew nominee case before deciding next month whether the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) should take it over from the police.
"The contentious issue is whether Kularb Kaew is a Singaporean nominee or a genuine Thai firm," Charnchai said.The Thai-based company is at the centre of a debate on how to regain control of satellites operated by Shin Satellite, a unit of Shin Corp. Singapore's Temasek Holdings took over Shin via Kularb Kaew. If the company is found to be Temasek's nominee, then the case is closed, Charnchai said. Under the law, foreign investors are banned from holding a controlling stake in a telecom business. He told the legal team - permanent secretary Charan Phakdithanakul, DSI official Visit Visitsoraat and law lecturers, Sastra To-on and Daraporn Thirawat - to outline the issues involving operating licences for satellites and recommend action. DSI chief Sunai Manomai-udom pledged to expedite the investigation if the case comes under his responsibility. "The prime minister is concerned that police appear to have made no headway with it," he said. The DSI would discuss whether to take over the case at a meeting on March 23. Meanwhile, a grassroots coalition said it would hold a rally tomorrow in Udon Thani demanding the return of state assets from Singapore. The organisers include Somkiart Pongpaiboon from the People's Alliance for Democracy and Suphaphol Iammethawi from the Isaan People's Assembly. The Nation
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